My 6 Favourite Spots in Toronto

A personal tour of the city from award-winning handyman Bryan Baeumler.

May 26, 2016
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By Lauren McKeon
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Illustration by Bess Callard

My 6 Favourite Spots in Toronto / Mes 6 adresses favorites à Toronto

DIY king Bryan Baeumler is a Gemini Award-winning handyman with several hit HGTV shows under his tool belt, including Home to Win, premiering this month. The veteran contractor shares his favourite spots in the city – fixer-uppers not included.

Photo: HGTV canada

01 Ripley’s Aquarium of CanadaMy kids have developed a fascination for marine life, and this is the perfect place to explore. The architecture is incredible; there’s lots of room for wandering, massive tanks and plenty of nooks for children.288 Bremner Blvd., 647-351-3474, ripleyaquariums.com

02 John & Sons Oyster HouseThey have the best oysters in town, hands down. The neighbourhood vibe brings the ease of a maritime pub to the heart of Old Toronto. For the past couple of years, they’ve also helped cater at our Baeumler Family Foundation gala.56 Temperance St., 416-703-5111, johnandsonsoysterhouse.com

03 Old Spaghetti FactoryIt’s a landmark for both Toronto and our family. It used to be a blacksmith shop, and the warehouse was converted in the 1970s. Sarah, my wife, was a bartender here, fresh out of university. Let me tell you, she makes some killer Shirley Temples!54 The Esplanade, 416-864-9761, oldspaghettifactory.net

05 Morton’s SteakhouseIt’s one of my favourite boys’-night-out spots; breaking bread with friends at Morton’s is like going back to a time where movies were in black and white. And the prime rib – washed down with a little Honey Jack Daniels on ice – is out of this world.4 Avenue Rd., 416-925-0648, mortons.com/toronto

06 Ontario Science Centre
There’s so much to learn here from the seemingly unlimited number of interactive displays. I have memories of running from exhibit to exhibit with my friends; now we bring our own kids. You can have a birthday party, attend day camps, watch an IMAX film or sign up to build a tram.770 Don Mills Rd., 416-696-1000, ontariosciencecentre.ca